Which reminds me of this from Alas Smith and Jones:-
The geese seem to have departed as quick as they arrived but yesterday's four Mallard Ducklings were still all present and correct. Overhead one or more Swifts were still screaming albeit invisible to me, a Great Spot was calling and three Swallows were coursing LOW over the newly mown field. Maybe a handful of Willow/Chiffs but no other migrants. Butterflies limited to Holly Blue, Speckled Wood x4 and a Comma; not a single brown or white today.
Three species of Volucella today as in the title but including a very fresh pellucens (and a horrible admission that it was a year tick!).
Noises from the reed patch which attracted the mixed flock a few days ago was from something rather larger - a Fox in broad daylight snuggling down in the sun on a raised patch of vegetation. Sadly the camera battery had died and I had no spares.
Westbourne came out to restart the car successfully - let's hope it doesn't go flat again overnight prior to tomorrow's hospital visit. Just need an excuse now to 'roadtest' the new Blue Badge.
